The tanker Lipsi of Dynacom Tankers, interests of shipowner George Prokopiou, suffered damage from a strike by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, in yet another incident heightening concerns over the safety of navigation in the Persian Gulf.
The Lipsi, with a capacity of 115,100 dwt, is one of the newest ships of the Greek group, as it was delivered by a Chinese shipyard on August 24, just six weeks before the incident. According to maritime security company Vanguard Tech, the vessel flies the Liberian flag and all crew members are safe.
The strike occurred on the port side of the ship’s stern as it was sailing outbound from the Strait, causing it to lose propulsion and resulting in damage to the engine room. No environmental impact was reported.
The incident was confirmed by the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), citing U.S. Navy data, while UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the master of a tanker had stated that the vessel was hit by an unknown projectile. Authorities are investigating the incident.
The Lipsi is managed by George Prokopiou’s Dynacom. CMB Financial Leasing appears as the beneficial owner, while Sea 160 Leasing Co Ltd, based in Hong Kong, is the registered owner.
The vessel was built by a Chinese shipyard of the Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Corp group. Its delivery had been completed 160 days earlier than the contractual date, while only 19 days elapsed from sea trials to delivery.
Dynacom has also been at the center of tensions in the region in the past, as a vessel of the group had been seized by Iran after a previous transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Prokopiou himself was among the Greek shipowners who continued to keep vessels active in the Gulf when several others were avoiding the area.
The new incident prompted fresh warnings to shipping companies. The China Shipowners’ Association called on shipowners to carefully assess their voyages and exercise increased caution when sending vessels to sensitive areas such as the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The association spoke of high security risks, citing frequent interference with navigation signals and repeated attacks against ships. It recommended, among other things, an increased security level, continuous AIS and VHF monitoring, reinforced bridge watches, and heightened crew vigilance.
The incident involving the Lipsi follows the attack on the VLCC Kazimah III, with a capacity of 317,300 dwt, of Kuwait Oil Tanker Co, during which a fire broke out and the crew had to be evacuated.